How proper ed-tech implementation can transform learning

Adequate teacher training and funding pose major obstacles; here are some steps for overcoming them

By Laura Devaney, Managing EditorRead more by Laura Devaney November 20th, 2012

When it comes to digital learning, high-quality programs embrace what the report identifies as the three Ts: teaching, technology, and time.

A new report outlines four critical challenges facing public education and identifies steps that school and district leaders must take in the next two years to ensure that digital learning has a lasting effect on students.

“The Nation’s Schools Are Stepping Up to Higher Standards,” from the Alliance for Excellent Education, notes that the nation’s education system is begging for an overhaul, and the coming years are crucial as policy makers and educators strive to create an education system that addresses student needs and ensures that all students emerge ready to compete on a global level.

“The next two years will see unprecedented developments in K-12 public education as states set fundamentally higher-than-ever standards for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “Technology can play a vital role in supporting teachers and helping public schools and districts meet these challenges, but technology by itself is not the answer; simply slapping a netbook on top of a textbook is not enough. But when districts develop a plan to pair technology with effective teaching and more efficient use of time, technology can accelerate the pace of improvement and boost student outcomes.”

Increasing needs for higher student achievement

Every state requires all students to graduate college- and career-ready, and the nation’s schools must be able to meet this standard. Estimates maintain that just 25 percent of high school students actually meet this requirement. High school graduation rates hover around 72 percent overall, with that rate closer to 50 percent for minority students. Half of all students entering a community college will need remedial courses, and 20 percent will need help when they enter a four-year institution.

Shrinking budgets

Unpredictable funding has left schools, districts, and states scrambling to do more with less. In fact, per-student spending has declined in most states since 2008.

In FY 2011, 18 of 23 states that made midyear budget cuts were forced to cut from K-12 education. In FY 2012, 42 of 50 states dealt with budget shortfalls.

District leaders must think creatively and reallocate existing resources to support teachers. For instance, the report suggests offering online professional development and streamlining expenses to find extra funds.

The future of teaching

Many teachers do not have adequate training and support—both of which are essential in student-centered learning environments. A large number of teachers leave the profession within the first few years owing to a lack of support and mentoring. Half leave in the first five years, and U.S. schools spend more than $2.6 billion each year replacing teachers who have dropped out of the field.

Comment:

lmrance@yahoo.com

November 20, 2012 at 4:46 pm

I taught adult learners for the military and the government and then became a high school teacher. High school teaching lasted 2 years. In that two years I became convinced that there is inadequate support to assist teachers in transitioning the classroom into a more tech savvy, learner centered, teacher guided experience. I am now in grad school for a Masters in Educational Technology. School districts fall short because they assume underpaid, overworked teachers have the time and inclination to figure out how to accomplish this change in the classroom. If districts want success they should task their IT department to develop courses that the teachers can be trained to deliver. This would require teacher input on content but the IT guys can do all the interactive programming, etc to make it really cutting edge. Students today have short attention spans and need interactivity. Imagine videos, drag and drop quizzes, simulations where the actions of your avatar prove your mastery of the subject… Once a teacher is trained, and feels confident, they will create and contribute even more to the course. It is overwhelming to feel like you have to invent the wheel from scratch while grading papers, teaching daily, doing projects, etc.